Children LOVE talking about their pets! Check out my FREE Pets Theme Page for activities to run a Pets Theme for a week in your preschool classroom!

Permanent Classroom Pets

There are so many that you can choose from!

You should do research on the type of pet that you are considering so that you are fully aware of the care, food and habitat it will need as well as it's long-term needs. Also, check on their life span--did you know that turtles can live anywhere from 10 to 100 years?!

Remember that once you bring a pet into the classroom, that pet may need to go with you should you move on to another program! Are you ready for this pet to become your personal pet?

There are so many pets to choose from!

Over time, I will be adding a page with details about the following pets, but here are some to consider that other teachers have had for pets in their preschool classroom:

Temporary Classroom Pets

Many of you already participate in some of these. Keep in mind that you need to have an end plan. Where will, for example, the ducks go once they are hatched and old enough?

Again, over time, I will add detailed information about each one! Here's a starting list:

Butterflies/Caterpillars

Ducks

Lady Bugs

Visiting Pets

Visiting pets in your classroom are like onsite field trips! Do some research, ask around (ask parents, librarians, etc.) for ideas!

Do you know someone who has a horse-ranch? Or a camel? Or a dog, or cat or any of the above animals mentioned in the above areas? They would be a great visitor to your classroom so long as none of your preschoolers have allergies to them!

Over the next few months, I will get into more detail on each one, but here is the starter list:

Unfortunately, we will most likely deal with the death of a classroom pet at some time.

Losing a pet is difficult and very emotional for children and adults alike. There is a grieving process that happens.

With this in mind, I want to direct you to a page here on my website that will help with the Loss of a Pet. The page has an article and a book list for you to review or pass on to parents when this time comes. I hope you find it helpful.